Zero-Cost Leads: How Agents Are Closing Deals Without Spending on Marketing

If you’re struggling to generate leads in 2025, you’re not alone.

The market is tight, buyers are cautious, and ad costs are rising. That’s why agents are turning to a smarter, leaner strategy: referral platforms.

In our recent coaching call, Shon Kokoszka broke down 10 free lead gen platforms that are helping agents close deals—without spending a single dollar upfront.

💡 What Are Referral Platforms?

These platforms market themselves to consumers, capture leads, and hand them off to agents like you.

✅ No upfront cost

✅ You only pay a referral fee if the deal closes

✅ You save time (and cash) while building your pipeline

“60% of a deal is better than 0%. No ad spend. No capital risk.” – Shon Kokoszka

🔟 Shon’s Top 5 Free Referral Platforms (Examples)

(Note: Full list shared in webinar, but here’s a preview)

1. OpCity – Warm leads, ready to go

2. HomeLight – Seller-focused lead gen with real tracking

3. FastExpert – Agent profiles + inbound matches

4. ReferralExchange – Higher-volume agent-to-agent referrals

5. Rocket Homes – Buyer-heavy leads from a major brand

6. 
   

All of these let you show up, accept the lead, and pay only after the closing. No monthly subscription. No gambling on ROI.

🧠 Bonus: Don’t Rely Solely on Free Leads

Referral platforms are leverage, not your foundation.

You still need to build your direct pipeline—your sphere, FSBOs, expireds, and circle prospecting. But platforms like these are powerful for boosting your closings when your own pipeline runs dry.

Final Takeaway:

The best agents in 2025 don’t just work harder.They work smarter.And that means knowing when to pay for leads, and when to pay only when you win.

👉 What’s your go-to free lead source this year?

Drop it in the comments 👇